(From company literature) Gitzo G2227 Explorer Tripod. The G2227 is a three-section Carbon Fiber version of the Explorer Series. Versatility is the key to this tripod. Quick to set up, rugged in construction, innovative in design, and loaded with features that offer shooting positions that would be virtually impossible with standard tripods.

Features such as ergonomically designed leg-angle-locking that allows the legs to be individually locked at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees. The Explorer also makes ground level shooting a snap with a unique shoulder-knuckle design that allows the column to be tilted 100 degrees, rotated freely through 360 degrees, and locked into any position.

The center column is fitted with an aluminum head plate with reversible 1/4-20" and 3/8" screw, plus a weight hook at the base.

Adding even more versatility to the Explorer is the G1275M and G1276M "off center" ball heads.

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $400.00| Rating: 9

Pros:

Strong, Relatively Light, Versatile, Tall

Cons:

Lack of Spread Limiter, Quite long when colapsed.

This is a very versatile Tripod. Just about any angle and height you can imagine is possible with this thing.

Excellent for Macro and landscape with usual perspectives. Still able to perform as any conventional tripod would as well.

Bitter/sweet locking mechanism. It's easy and can be done quickly with one hand, but you must lock it tightly or you will have trouble adjusting the other sections. As a result you'll find your hand becoming quite sore after a day full of twisting the very rough textured locking handles.

There is a lack of a spread limiter which can be annoying if you open and close the lens to a specific spread most of the time. This means that you must spread each leg individually each time and usually results in a slightly uneven spread.
You get used to it though.

Overall it's versatility outweighs it's minor annoyances. If you shoot a lot of macro from a tripod this is about as good as it gets.